New, used, OEM or aftermarket parts: which should you buy?
Updated October 25, 2026 · AutoPartes.cr
For brakes, steering and suspension, buy a new part, either original (OEM) or from a well-known aftermarket brand. For body panels, lights or hard-to-find parts, a used part in good condition saves a lot. Aftermarket is the middle option: new and cheaper than the original.
When you order a part there's almost always more than one option for the same piece, and the price gap can be big. Choosing well depends on which part it is, how long you plan to keep the car and how much you want to spend. Here's each type, with examples.
What is an OEM or original part?
OEM means it's made by the same company that made the part your car came with from the factory, or by the car brand itself. It's the option most certain to fit, and it usually lasts as long as the original.
- Pros: exact fit and known quality.
- Cons: the most expensive option, and some parts for older models are no longer made.
What is an aftermarket part?
A new part made by another brand, designed to replace the original. Some aftermarket brands are excellent and well known, and some parts are of doubtful quality: the brand matters a lot.
- Pros: new, backed by the store's warranty and quite a bit cheaper than the original.
- Cons: quality varies from brand to brand, and some parts need small adjustments to install.
What is a used part?
An original part taken from another car, usually at a salvage yard. The US has a huge number of them, and for common models they're easy to find in good condition.
- Pros: the lowest price for an original part, and sometimes the only option for older models.
- Cons: unknown wear, and a short warranty or none, depending on the seller.
Which should you choose for each part?
A practical rule:
| Type of part | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Brakes (pads, rotors, calipers) | New: OEM or a well-known aftermarket brand |
| Steering and suspension (shocks, ball joints, control arms) | New |
| Filters, spark plugs, belts | New; they're cheap wear items |
| Engine and gearbox internals | New, or used only with a warranty and known mileage |
| Alternator, starter, A/C compressor | New, remanufactured, or used with a warranty |
| Body panels (bumpers, doors, hood, mirrors) | Used in good condition, or aftermarket |
| Headlights and tail lights | Used original, or a well-known aftermarket brand |
On safety parts, saving money with a part of unknown origin isn't worth it. On body panels, a used original part often fits better than a cheap aftermarket one.
How does AutoPartes.cr decide what to offer?
When you ask for a quote you can choose new, used or show me options. We tell you what type of part we found and, if it's used, its condition. To get the right part, the VIN helps a lot: see where to find your car's VIN.
Remember the final price includes freight and duties, which depend on weight: a heavy used part may not be as cheap as it looks. We explain it in how much it costs to import a part.
In short
New for anything to do with braking, steering and suspension. Used for body panels and hard-to-find parts. A good aftermarket brand when you want something new without paying for the original. If you're not sure, request a quote, choose "show me options", and we'll explain the price difference.
Frequently asked questions
Is an aftermarket part low quality?
Not necessarily. Some aftermarket brands are very good, and some even make parts for the car brands. The problem is parts with no known brand, which is why we always tell you the brand.
Do used parts come with a warranty?
It depends on the seller. Many US salvage yards give a short warranty. When we quote, we tell you whether the part has one.
What does OEM mean?
Original Equipment Manufacturer: the maker of the original equipment. It's a part of the same brand as the one your car came with from the factory.
Can I get a quote for both new and used?
Yes. On the form choose "show me options" and, when both exist, we send you both to compare.